Largo Named 2nd-Best City In America For Retirement: Money
LARGO, FL — If you're one of the people who have chosen to retire to Largo, you made a good choice, according to Money magazine.
On Monday, Money named Largo No. 2 on its 2020 ranking of the 10 Best Places to Retire in America.
Money's experts looked at such things as weather, convenience, walkability, health care, cost of living, number of communities for people over the age of 50 and the housing market when ranking their choices.
While many activities have been limited due to the coronavirus pandemic, Money's experts weighed factors that will make these cities stand out over time, plus natural attractions that can be enjoyed right now.
The team said climate and cost of living are also two major areas retirees look at when considering their retirement destinations.
Money combed through about 47,500 data points and considered factors like housing, climate, diversity and safety to create a list of destinations to suit every taste and budget. You can see more about Money's methodology here.
Largo stood out for the obvious reasons: the scenic beaches and the mild weather (244 days a sunshine a year) that allows residents to golf, play tennis, hike and walk on the beach year-round.
The city scored highest among the 2020 winners for a pleasant atmosphere, thanks to its walkability and great weather.
Largo earned points as well for being a welcoming place for seniors. It has a population of 83,000 and nearly half (48.4 percent) are seniors.
And Largo is one of the most affordable cities on Money's list in which to live. The average home in Largo is $211,000, the lowest median home price of all the winners. The city also received high marks for being tax-friendly since Florida has no state income tax.
As for things to do, two Largo amenities stood out: the Florida Botanical Gardens and the 70-acre Largo Central Park with fountains, picnic pavilions and a playground.
Those looking to entertain visiting friends and family can head to the Central Park Performing Arts Center to see music, dance and theater performances.
Largo offered other perks as well like the Largo Community Center, a 30,000-square-foot LEED-certified building featuring three sprung-floor studio rooms, a center stage ballroom with wooden floors, commercial kitchen, fitness room, art studio, card room, outdoor patio and gazebo, lounge and more.
The Largo Community Center along with the city's other recreation centers and city pools offer a variety of programs for seniors including art, fitness, aquatics, cards, ballroom dancing,
The city has its own 18-hole executive golf course along with the East Bay Golf Club and Pinecrest Golf Club.
The city's McGough Nature Park with its abundant trails and boardwalks that are perfect for hiking and bird watching. In addition, the city has 19 other parks with more than 11 miles of walking trails and opportunities to canoe, kayak and paddle board.
The city’s 4-mile green trail system runs through the heart of Largo and connects 12 parks and numerous city facilities.
Money’s complete list of the 10 Best Places to Retire in America includes:
1. Madison, Wisconsin
2. Largo, Florida
3. Lower Merion, Pennsylvania
4. Franklin, Tennesee
5. Boise, Idaho
6. Lakewood, Colorado
7. Asheville, North Carolina
8. Bridgewater, New Jersey
9. Roseville, California
10. Santa Fe, New Mexico
This article originally appeared on the Largo Patch
